Blueprint Banter

From Family Recipe to National Brand: The Lola’s Hot Sauce Journey | Ep. 19

In this episode, Derek sits down with Taufeek Shah, founder and CEO of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce a brand born from a family recipe and grown with relentless passion. Taufeek shares how he turned his mother Lola’s signature hot sauce into a nationally recognized brand, built on authenticity, grassroots hustle, and a powerful story. From farmers markets to major retailers, hear how Lola’s connects with customers on more than just heat. It’s not just about sauce- it’s about heart, heritage, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.

Climbing the Ladder with Grit | Ep. 18

In this episode, Derek sits down with Jarrod Gray, Residential Manager at Kline Electric. Jarrod’s journey is a powerful reminder that grit, dedication, and a strong work ethic can take you far no matter where you start. From entry-level beginnings to leading residential operations, Jarrod shares how his mindset and commitment helped him climb the ladder in the electrical industry. Whether you're just starting out or already on your path, this conversation is packed with insight and motivation.

A life of Hockey: Process Driven Success w/ Brett McLean | Ep. 17

Brett McLean, former NHL player and current head coach of the Iowa Wild, left home at just 14 years old to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. He never wavered in that pursuit. Brett shares the story of his journey with remarkable detail and perspective—offering lessons we can all learn from. Through all the highs and lows, it’s his commitment to trusting the process that keeps him on track.

Finding Purpose Through Family, Business, and Struggle | Ep. 16

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Todd Sommerfeld, owner and CEO of Kreg Tool, a company with a rich legacy of innovation in woodworking tools. Todd shares his experience of taking over the family business that his father started and the personal struggles he faced along the way. From balancing leadership challenges to navigating rocky times in marriage and fatherhood, Todd opens up about the tough moments that shaped his path. We also explore how Kreg Tool has built strong connections with customers, finding meaning through self-reflection, and the personal growth that has been essential in becoming the leader and man he aspires to be.

From War Zones to Crime Scenes | Ep. 15

In this gripping episode, we sit down with John Krusenstjerna, a Marine veteran who served during the height of the War on Terrorism, with deployments to Iraq in the early 2000s. John shares powerful stories of his time in the military, the challenges he faced, and how those experiences shaped his path back home. After returning to civilian life, John found an unexpected calling — crime scene cleaning. Hear how he turned his resilience and discipline into building CTS Cleaners, a company dedicated to helping families navigate unimaginable loss with compassion and professionalism.